142 / 144 / 145

1966-1974 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 142 / 144 / 145 problems All workshop issues

Critical Electrical

Faulty Ignition Switch or Starter Relay

Symptoms

Key turns but nothing happens, no dash lights, intermittent starting, click but no crank, or starter spins continuously.

Cause

Worn contacts in the ignition switch, corroded relay terminals, failed solenoid.

Fix

Test for 12V at the starter solenoid with the key in the start position.

If voltage is present but no crank, starter or solenoid is faulty.

If no voltage, work backward to the ignition switch and relay.

Clean all connections, replace the relay if suspect (cheap and common), and replace the ignition switch if contacts are burnt.

Some fit a push-button starter as a backup.

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Other known issues

Common Electrical

Alternator Failure or Weak Charging

Battery warning light stays on, dim lights, flat battery after short drives, voltage drops below 13V at idle (with engine running).

Critical Electrical

Wiring Loom Corrosion and Brittle Insulation

Intermittent faults, instruments cutting out, no start, flickering lights, burning smell, smoke from under the dash.

Common Engine

Oil Leaks from Front and Rear Crankshaft Seals

Persistent weeping or pooling of oil beneath the engine, especially at the front timing cover or rear main seal area. You'll see oil misting onto the bellhousing or dripping from the sump.

Common Engine

Worn Valve Guides and Oil Consumption

Blue smoke on startup or deceleration, fouled spark plugs, rising oil consumption between changes (more than half a litre per 1,000 km).

Common Engine

Carburettor Issues (SU or Zenith-Stromberg)

Rough idle, hesitation, stalling when cold, flat spots under acceleration, poor fuel economy, black exhaust smoke.

Critical Engine

Worn Timing Chain or Belt Tensioner

Rattling or slapping noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup or idle. Loss of power, poor running, or misfires if timing has jumped.

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